Praying for new teams

‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ’ (Col 4:2-3, NIV)

Individuals and families called by God into Bible translation are confronted with a range of issues and emotions – both as they prepare to head to the field, and when they arrive. Here are some ways you can pray for new teams:

Support-raising

Members preparing to move into specific roles are first required to build a team of financial and prayer supporters. Pray they would be sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings and fully dependent on God to provide for their needs.

Transition

Many factors are involved in moving from one place to another. For those preparing to leave their homes, family and friends, pray that God would replace any feelings of anxiety about the unknown with a sense of hope and joy about what he will do.

Adaptation

The potential pressures of entering a new culture are numerous: new climate, unfamiliar foods, lack of privacy, loneliness, communicating in a foreign language, and many others. Pray that God would give strength and grace to overcome these new challenges.

Ministry

Time and energy can easily be spent on urgent but secondary matters. Pray that doors of ministry would be opened, and that God would direct activities according to his purposes. Pray that the Spirit would provide effective cross-cultural communication.

Spiritual vitality

Besides overwhelming workloads, relational conflicts and financial uncertainties, living and working cross-culturally adds additional pressure to people’s emotional, spiritual and physical vitality. Pray for times of relaxation, opportunities to be with other believers, and daily faithfulness to spend time in God’s Word.

Thanks for your patience...

Waiting is hard, isn't it. But imagine waiting 2000 years for Scripture in your language! Thanks for your patience. And thanks for your generous support which will help bring the long wait to an end...